AquaWind Advances Europe’s Blue Transition with Offshore Prototype Trials
- MM24 News Desk
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
The AquaWind prototype is towed offshore at PLOCAN, marking the start of Europe’s first integrated wind-and-aquaculture sea trials. image:AQUAWIND
The European AquaWind project has reached a remarkable milestone with the successful towing and installation of its innovative prototype at the Oceanic Platform of the Canary Islands (PLOCAN) test site on October 18th.
Following months of meticulous preparation and testing at the Astican facilities in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria’s port, the device was carefully transported offshore to begin its crucial phase of real-sea testing. The operation was coordinated by EnerOcean, with the vital support of Capitanía Marítima de Las Palmas, Astican, Boluda, Miller, and Trames.
Dual Innovation at Sea
The prototype embodies a pioneering dual concept, integrating two breakthrough technologies within a single infrastructure: the W2Power twin-turbine floating wind platform, developed by Spain’s EnerOcean, and an advanced aquaculture cage engineered by the GOBCAN_ACIISI/ULPGC team.
The cage features cutting-edge net materials and fully digitalised remote-control systems. It is equipped for conducting biological studies on multiple fish species—including high-value varieties—to promote diversification and sustainability in aquaculture practices.
At its core, AquaWind’s multi-use design tackles a key European Union challenge: optimising the sustainable and efficient use of marine space. By co-locating renewable energy generation with aquaculture, the project significantly reduces its carbon footprint, directly supporting the EU’s climate and energy objectives.
This marks the first-ever Atlantic trial combining marine renewable energy production with live fish farming in the same maritime area. The ongoing tests will explore how both operations interact and can be jointly managed through advanced remote systems. The ultimate goal is to prove that this multi-use model is not only feasible but also replicable, scalable, and commercially viable—paving the way for a new generation of sustainable ocean industries.
Rigorous Preparation on Land
Before heading offshore, the prototype underwent comprehensive testing at Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Harbour. The EnerOcean team retrofitted the W2Power platform—developed with theoretical modelling by INNOSEA—to integrate the aquaculture systems. Meanwhile, WAVEC, supported by PLOCAN, launched the project’s first environmental campaign to evaluate sediment composition, water quality, and underwater noise in collaboration with ULPGC and CANEXMAR.
Simultaneously, at the Taliarte Harbour test site, researchers from GOBCAN-ACIISI and ULPGC, backed by CANEXMAR, refined the fish cage’s remote operation systems. They carried out comparative trials using gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) to assess the biological performance of fish raised in the AquaWind system versus those grown in conventional aquaculture cages at the CANEXMAR farm.
These harbour trials yielded invaluable data on growth, survival, health, and biochemical markers, establishing essential baseline parameters for evaluating fish welfare—an important step in validating AquaWind’s aquaculture innovation.
Looking Ahead: The Next Phase
In the coming months, the AquaWind team will monitor fish growth, survival, and quality under offshore conditions while assessing environmental impacts and the system’s long-term durability. Following the initial gilthead seabream trials, tests will expand to include greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili)—a high-value species that will help further evaluate the system’s adaptability and performance.
The insights gained will be instrumental in refining the prototype and shaping future pre-commercial and commercial applications. Plans include expanding pilot systems across the Atlantic, advancing digitalisation, developing a scalable business model, and strengthening international collaboration to drive progress in sustainable aquaculture and integrated marine energy.